Porto boat tour: Scandola, Girolata, Capo Rosso with guide

Volcanic coves, sea caves, and a 30-minute swim in Girolata

A guided boat tour from Porto along the Corsican coast, visiting the Scandola Nature Reserve, the coves of Piana, Capo Rosso, and the village of Girolata. The Mare Nostrum II, a small boat with toilets and weather protection, carries you through volcanic and granitic rock formations, narrow passages and sea caves while the captain and guide provide live commentary. A 30- to 40-minute stop in Girolata lets you swim; the tour runs about four hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of Corsica's coast

• Embark on Mare Nostrum II boat
• Discover Scandola volcanic rocks
• Explore coves of Piana and Capo Rosso
• Listen to live commentary onboard
• Stop for swim in Girolata

The Experience

Jean-Baptiste Rostini, a local guide since 1989, leads the tour aboard the Mare Nostrum II, a small boat equipped with toilets, sun and spray protection, and a drinks service. The route traces the anfractuosities of Scandala's volcanic and granitic rocks, the coves of Piana, the faults and caves of Capo Rosso, and narrow passages carved into the stone. Live commentary from the captain and guide runs throughout, so you hear the geology and history as you move through it rather than reading a placard afterward.

The stop in Girolata lasts 30 to 40 minutes and is built for swimming. You can jump in from the boat or wade from the village beach; the time is long enough to cool off without rushing back. The boat waits, so there is no scramble to reboard or a schedule that cuts the moment short.

The guide speaks English, Italian, or French — pick the language at checkout. Weather and sea conditions can force a cancellation, and the tour operator requires a minimum number of passengers to run. Infants sit on an adult's lap; service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Guidance from a local guide.
• live captain and guide commentary throughout the route.
• boat with toilets, weather protection and drinks service.
• 30- to 40-minute swimming stop in Girolata.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Porto Linea Excursions Maritimes

Is this one for you?The guide delivers live commentary in English, Italian, or French, so you follow the geology and history as the boat moves through the coves and passages rather than reading about it later. Book the language that matches your group.

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Top questions

What is the Scandola Nature Reserve like from the water?

Scandola is a volcanic formation with dramatic rock faces, faults, and caves that rise directly from the sea. The boat passes through narrow passages and along the anfractuosities of the stone, letting you see the geology up close rather than from a distance.

Can I swim during this tour?

Yes. The tour includes a 30- to 40-minute stop in Girolata where you can swim. The boat waits at the village, so you have time to get in the water without feeling rushed.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs approximately four hours from Porto, including the stop in Girolata.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide offers live commentary in English, Italian, or French. You choose your language when you book.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour operator can cancel without notice if navigation conditions are unsafe, so a rough sea or high wind may force a postponement. Check the forecast before your booking date.